gategroup congratulates Virgin Atlantic on the historical milestone of undertaking the world’s first transatlantic flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

NOVEMBER 28, 2023 CET 20.00

gategroup, the global leader in airline catering and food services, today announced a congratulatory message to their United Kingdom-based airline partner, Virgin Atlantic (VIRGIN ATLANTIC), who have taken on the challenge of undertaking the world's first transatlantic flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel [SAF] today from London Heathrow (LHR) to New York (JFK). Gate Gourmet and deSter have worked alongside VIRGIN ATLANTIC to prepare for this auspicious flight and are delighted to support them in this accomplishment.

"We send our sincere and heartfelt congratulations to our long-lasting partner VIRGIN ATLANTIC for Flight 100 and taking on the challenge on proving that SAF can be the fuel of the future to ensure that not only VIRGIN ATLANTIC can meet its Net Zero goals by 2050 and that gategroup, as a partner, through Gate Gourmet and deSter can deliver the innovation to achieve these goals."said Christoph Schmitz, CEO of Zurich-based gategroup. "With gategroup's own commitments to ESG we are delighted to have played a part in this endeavour."

In particular, gategroup is excited that deSter has offered re-usable plastic glasses for all the Economy travellers on VS100 as part of a life-cycle trial. The aim is to assess the impact of further reducing single use plastics from their onboard experience in line with Virgin's sustainability targets. deSter designed these glasses so they fit into their closed loop commitment for aviation, ensuring zero plastic goes to landfill since the glasses are fully recyclable at the end of their usable life.

Gate Gourmet, a subsidiary brand of gategroup focusing on culinary innovation and exceptional catering services to airlines and airport lounges worldwide, has been providing their culinary expertise to Virgin Atlantic since 2012.

"As Virgin Atlantic's culinary service partner across the majority of its network including the UK and USA - gategroup is so proud and excited to offer our heartfelt congratulations to VIRGIN for Flight 100 and all the teams within Virgin Atlantic and its partners to make this flight a reality."additionally shared Federico Germani, gategroup's Chief Commercial Officer. "We are honoured to be partnered with an airline that continues to push the boundaries, accept the challenges around creating a much more sustainable aviation industry and continuing to work together to make this commitment real".

About gategroup

gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. For further information, please visit www.gategroup.com.

About deSter

deSter, a gategroup member, is a leading provider of innovative and sustainable food packaging and serviceware concepts to the aviation, hospitality and food service industries.

The company combines over 40 years of manufacturing expertise with the latest developments in product design. deSter has production units in Hoogstraten (BE), Lima (US) and Prachinburi (TH), in addition to global sales offices. www.dester.com

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